Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop CALs – User

Windows Server 2022 RDS User CAL: per-user access licence for Remote Desktop Services

The Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services User CAL is the access licence that Microsoft requires for every user who connects to a Remote Desktop Session Host running Windows Server. The licence is assigned to a user account in Active Directory, and this user may connect from any number of devices. This licensing model is suitable for employees who access the same applications on a terminal server from the office PC, from a notebook and from home. The RDS CAL does not include any server software.

How per-user licensing works

RDS CALs are installed on a Remote Desktop licence server, which issues and tracks them. With per-user licensing, Windows does not technically enforce the licences: every user can connect, and the administrator is responsible for ensuring that valid licences are available for all users. User CALs are assigned via Active Directory and cannot be tracked in a workgroup; Device CALs are intended for workgroups. Microsoft provides a grace period of 120 days during which no licence server is required yet.

Under the Microsoft licence terms, the RDS CAL is an additive access licence. It is required in addition to the Windows Server CAL that every user or device needs for access to the server, unless an exception in the Microsoft Product Terms applies. An RDS CAL is also required when Windows Server provides a graphical interface for users via Remote Desktop Services or another technology.

Compatible server versions

Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs are valid for session hosts running Windows Server 2022, 2019 and 2016. They are not permitted for a session host running Windows Server 2025, because older CALs may not be used for a newer server. Newer CALs, on the other hand, may be used for older servers. The CALs are installed on a licence server running Windows Server 2022 or Windows Server 2025.

Buy Windows Server 2022 RDS User CAL: licence and scope of delivery

You select the number of user CALs on the product page: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 500, 750 or 1,000. The number corresponds to the number of users, not concurrent sessions. Windows Server itself and the Windows Server CALs are not included. The scope of delivery includes:

• RDS User CALs for Windows Server 2022 in the selected number
• License Server ID (SPK) and License Key Pack ID (LKP) for activation on the RDS licence server
• instructions for activation (see Activating RDS CALs and VDI licences)

Once your payment has been received, you receive your order by email. For the activation data, you enter the Product ID of your activated licence server: with a customer account under My Product Codes, without a customer account via the Guest Portal. The SPK and LKP for the ordered CAL pack are then provided.

If you have any questions about activation, our Support team is available around the clock by email. You will find offers for businesses, schools and public authorities in the B2B Area. You will find further server products in the category Windows Server and under Operating Systems.

System requirements

Requirements according to Microsoft.